The countdown to the new series of Strictly Come Dancing has begun, with the stars donning their sequins and taking to the stage in London for the launch. This year’s competition kicks off on BBC One on 7 September.
Image copyrightPA MediaImage caption The celebrities for this year’s Strictly Come Dancing were introduced by co-hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman at a red carpet launch on Monday evening. Image copyrightGetty ImagesImage caption This year’s 15 celebrity contestants offered a glimpse of their dance floor moves on the stage at BBC Television Centre in west London. Image copyrightPA MediaImage caption Olympic rower James Cracknell has previously promised to bring some “dad dancing” to the show. Image copyrightGetty ImagesImage caption It wasn’t long before he broke out those dad moves alongside broadcaster Anneka Rice, CBBC presenter Karim Zeroual and Emma Thynn, Viscountess Weymouth. Image copyrightPA MediaImage caption EastEnders actress Emma Barton, who plays Honey Mitchell, was one of the first names to be announced for the 17th series of Strictly. Image copyrightPA MediaImage caption Former England goalkeeper David James and Made In Chelsea’s Jamie Laing took to the stage hand in hand. Image copyrightPA MediaImage caption Former Coronation Street actress Catherine Tyldesley revealed: “I’m really excited but I’m petrified.” Image copyrightPA MediaImage caption Table tennis paralympic champion Will Bayley shimmied for the crowd with former Arsenal and England footballer Alex Scott, who is the bookies’ favourite to win the show. Image copyrightGetty ImagesImage caption Comedian Chris Ramsey was clearly delighted to be there, despite previously revealing he has never been a natural on the dance floor. Image copyrightPA MediaImage caption Radio 1 DJ Dev Griffin kept his signature moves under wraps. Image copyrightGetty ImagesImage caption Teenage YouTube star Saffron Barker and BBC sports news presenter Mike Bushell looked like a couple of naturals. Bushell is the favourite to go out first, but said: “That’s great because I can’t really go down, I can only go up.” Image copyrightGetty ImagesImage caption The judges – Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Bruno Tonioli – were keen to show they’ve still got a few moves of their own. Roll on September!
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